Emmy-winning producer denies trying to kill roommate over Oscars joke
An Emmy-winning producer has pleaded not guilty to charges that he tried to kill his roommate with a kitchen knife, authorities said.
Colombian actor and producer Andre Bautista, known by his stage name Andre Bauth, entered the plea Monday in a Van Nuys courtroom, according to the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office.
Bautista, 36, won a daytime Emmy in April as a producer for the online soap opera “The Bay.”
Police were called to a residence in the 3100 block of Laurel Canyon Boulevard on Sept. 8 where the stabbing occurred, said Los Angeles Police Department Officer Liliana Preciado.
A dispute had erupted between Bautista and his roommate, during which Bautista allegedly took hold of the knife, stabbed his roommate and fled, Preciado said.
A man who identified himself as the victim told KCBS-TV Channel 2 that the argument was triggered by a joke about Bautista winning Oscars.
When Clayton Haymes, 23, arrived home after dinner and drinks with friends, Bautista declared that he would would win five Oscars someday, CBS reported.
“When he said ‘five Oscars,’ we all kind of laughed a little bit, and he got really upset,” Haymes said.
A warrant was issued for Bautista’s arrest on Sept. 10 and he surrendered a week later at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, prosecutors said.
He’s being held on $550,000 bond. If convicted, he faces up to 13 years in prison.
For breaking news in California, follow @MattHjourno.
Times staff writer Joseph Serna contributed to this report.
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